Passage de la Bourse, Commercial gallery in Charleroi, Belgium
Passage de la Bourse is a protected shopping arcade in Charleroi that combines Flemish neo-renaissance exterior architecture with neoclassical interior design elements across its covered walkways and storefronts. The structure stretches between Marchienne and Charleville streets and houses various retail establishments including clothing stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and optical services spread across three levels.
Built between 1890 and 1892 by architect Edmond Legraive, it replaced the former Capuchin Convent that had served as Charleroi's town hall until 1887. Its completion came during a period of significant urban growth as the city expanded its commercial infrastructure.
The name reflects its original purpose as a stock exchange building for business activity. The three-level layout displays classical architectural orders beneath an iron-framed glass roof that creates a unified covered space for daily commerce.
The arcade connects two main streets and offers shaded passageways that are especially useful during poor weather. Its three levels allow visitors to explore various shopping areas without having to move between separate entrances.
In 2014, the original facades and glass roof were preserved and integrated into the new Rive Gauche commercial development, joining a historic landmark with modern expansion. This renovation maintained the 19th-century visual character while adding contemporary facilities nearby.
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